 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Clarissa Explains It All
- Nickelodeon
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Fun '90s show deals thoughtfully with coming-of-age issues.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that despite being fairly dated, this likable '90s sitcom has a lot of appeal for today's tweens and their parents. It centers on a down-to-earth teen whose daily conundrums involve relationships with her family (including her pesky brother), the woes of dating, and the many complicated situations in which she finds herself, all of which yield positive learning experiences with wholesome morals about friendship, trust, and honesty. Clarissa draws emotional strength and a sense of identity from her tight-knit family, and her parents encourage her independence while remaining accessible if she needs advice. The show was an anomaly during its original run because it cast a close boy/girl friendship that wasn't hampered by sexual attraction, which offers parents a good opportunity to talk about social dynamics and dating with their tweens.
What's the story?
CLARISSA EXPLAINS IT ALL stars Melissa Joan Hart as Clarissa Darling, a spunky, outgoing teen who talks to viewers about anything and everything that happens in her life. As events unfold within her family and among her friends, Clarissa turns to monologues aimed at her audience to help make sense of what she's feeling and to evaluate how best to cope. The show's stories usually revolve around typical teen woes like pimples, pesky siblings, and dating, and when working out solutions on her own doesn't work, Clarissa turns to her parents, Janet (Elizabeth Hess) and Marshall (Joe O'Connor), or her best friend, Sam (Sean O'Neal), for direction.
Is it any good?
Not surprisingly, this series shows its age in the predictable areas of wardrobe and special effects, but it's not so dated that it would be an impossible sell for today's tweens. This is great news for parents, who will find Clarissa to be a breath of fresh air amid the sexy, sassy female characters who often grace the screen in many modern series. On the contrary, Clarissa's got a level head and high principles, which help guide her through coming-of-age hurdles like having a first crush, accidental shoplifting, and personal insecurities, all of which are dealt with in a thoughtful and realistic manner.
Besides Clarissa's enviable relationships with her well-meaning parents and even her irritating (but loyal) little brother, Ferguson (Jason Zimbler), her friendship with Sam raises some interesting points that are important to talk over with your tweens in light of today's sexually mature culture. Be sure to use the opportunity to discuss the fine line between friendship and romantic involvement as well as how your family's rules apply to tweens' freedoms and responsibilities when they're socializing with their peers.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about this show's messages. What lesson(s) did Clarissa learn related to this story? Could you relate to what she was going through? How might you have handled the situation differently?
Tweens: What is your reaction to Clarissa and Sam's relationship? Do you think it's possible for boys and girls to be just friends? How does the dynamic between them change as they get older? Do you think there's pressure for relationships to become romantic? What outside factors affect your impression of dating?
Tweens: Who are some of your role models? How do their actions and values help shape your own? How do they help you work through struggles in your life? Do you often ask for their help or guidance?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Teach values to young children.
I remember watching Clarissa Explains It All when I was a young girl. The show teaches kids postive values, respect, and friendship.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Good 90s show deals a bit comically with coming-of-age issues.
Having watched at least a full season's worth of the show, I definetly understand why this show was in the N's initial lineup. It deals with a lot of teen issues in a rather highly realistic manner, but also with some comedy. Its combination of some funny jokes amongst really good and serious storylines is what makes this such a popular show, even if it isn't as funny as, say, Kenan and Kel or All That. It combines Zoey 101's sense of humor with a slightly watered down version of As Told By Ginger's sense of humor. (Oh, by the way, strict 90s people, you absolutely have to check that show out, especially if you really liked snick for comedy-drama hybrids like this.) As for content, it does have a few things that are a bit iffy for a kids show (or what is marketed as a kids show): some uses of hell as profanity, some drug references, and I heard that there are supposed to be sexual references, but so far I haven't seen any. But this is, indeed, a good show, and it is a Nick classic.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
If you rate this show bad, get help now
This is a wonderful show for the whole entire family to enjoy. I LOVED Sabrina The Teenage Witch, and this is another family-oriented sitcom that is appropiate fro children, adults, EVERYONE!
WATCH IT!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Beyond Awesome!
I love and miss this show! I've been watching it since I was 10! It was REALLY funny and epic!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Cool Sitcom.
This show rocked! It was very funny and unpredicable! I used to watch it when it was still on Nick in the Early 90s.I used to watch it all the time when is was 10 in 1995.Til I watched it too much,for most of the part.Then I just started watching it ocassionally.But I still loved it.They did a lot of cool things with the shows logo.Like,when Clarissa pushed a "Furgeson Explains It All" logo and replaced it with a "Clarissa Explains It All" logo.The plots are pretty good as well.I loved the theme song.I can still sing it.Its THAT catchy! This show gets 5/5.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | friendship, high school |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Nickelodeon |
| Cast: | Jason Zimbler, Melissa Joan Hart, Sean O'Neal |
| Genre: | Comedy |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
